Lead Supply Chain Specialist - Start-up
Lead Supply Chain Specialist Company: VC-backed AI Robotics Startup Location: Cambridge, MA Salary: $175,000-$225,000Bonusstock options Overview Our client is a rapidly growing, venture-backed AI robotics company building complex hardware products at the intersection of software, automation, and advanced manufacturing. This is a foundational hire—the first dedicated procurement and supply chain leader—tasked with building and scaling the infrastructure required to support product development and production. The Opportunity As the Lead Supply Chain Specialist, you will establish the systems, processes, and supplier relationships that ensure material readiness, cost efficiency, and operational reliability. You will act as a strategic partner to engineering and operations while remaining hands-on across sourcing, supplier management, planning, and execution. This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys building from the ground up in a high-growth environment. Key Responsibilities Develop and execute sourcing strategies aligned with product and business goals Identify, evaluate, and onboard vendors; lead commercial negotiations and manage supplier relationships Build cost models and drive margin improvement and cost-reduction initiatives Implement forecasting, materials planning, and inventory strategies to support both prototype and scaled production Ensure material availability to meet build schedules and production timelines Establish frameworks for managing long-lead components, supply continuity, and supplier risk Design and implement scalable procurement processes, workflows, and ERP/MRP utilization Partner closely with engineering on BOM optimization, component selection, and design for manufacturability Coordinate logistics, including international shipments, and oversee day-to-day operational execution Qualifications 8 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain within hardware, robotics, advanced manufacturing, or similarly complex product environments Proven experience building or scaling supply chain capabilities in early-stage or high-growth companies Strong negotiation skills with experience managing global supplier networks Expertise in cost modeling, BOM analysis, and structured procurement processes Hands-on experience with ERP/MRP systems and managing end-to-end supply chain operations Experience with cost-reduction initiatives, dual sourcing strategies, and value analysis/value engineering (VA/VE) Advanced degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, or a related field preferred INJUN2026 LI-MV1
